Basic Framing/Carpentry Tools | What’s Inside A Framer’s Bags?

Want To Share This?

There are a few different tools that a carpenter or framer needs to have in their tool bags in order to make their job easier and to make them much more efficient.

These tools are basically “the essentials” and are probably the most used tools in a carpenter's arsenal.

The below picture resembles a tool bag that a right-handed framer/carpenter would use (in most cases).

If you are left handed, the two bags (right and left sides) would likely be switched around to accommodate the more dominant hand.

What's Inside Carpenters Bags 2

A: Pliers - Lots of framers/carpenters carry at least one pair of pliers on them for many reasons but they are really a tool that comes in useful for many different situations.

They can be used for pulling out staples or nails in some instances or for loosening bolts that are found in certain situations like a ledger board or when working on interior projects involving plumbing, demo, etc.

B: Tape Measure - The tape measure is one of the most well known tools and really needs no introduction. The tape measure is the best tool for taking measurements and is usually found in 1/16" increments.

Some tape measures have notes on what the measurements are but the more traditional ones have only lines on the with every inch marked by a number and red numbers for stud layout (16" on center).

C: Framing Hammer - Framing hammers come in all shapes and sizes, as well as different weights and are built using different materials.

A full spectrum for sure! The handles can be made out of wood or metal and the weights can vary from lighter hammers weighing approximately 15 to 16 oz or less and the heavier ones that tend to weigh around 20 oz or more.

You will likely see different styles of handles as well, some having straight shafts and others having curved shafts, as well as different lengths.

Make sure you hold a hammer in your hand before buying one because it is the best way to get a good feel for a hammer without actually using it on the job.

These can range greatly in price, starting at around $20 for really cheap off-brand and can go all the way up to $200 or more in some cases. 

D: Cat's Paw/Nail Puller - Cat’s paws really do have quite a few different names but they all perform the same basic function and that is pulling nails!

They can also be called pry bars or nail pullers and these also come in many different shapes and sizes as well.

A lot of the sizes that you can expect to see a framer to have in his or her bags will be anywhere between 8 to 12" in length.

From my experience the larger 12 inch models are better suited for longer nails (16D) and the smaller 8 inch nail pullers are better suited for 8D nails and smaller.

The shape of the cat's paw will also come into play but from what I've found out (from my own personal experience) is that everybody has their own opinion on which type works better.

 So you really have to try out a couple for yourself in order to find one that you deem the best.

E: Nail Punch/Set - A nail set or nail punch is essentially the same thing and it serves a very specific purpose that can prove to be helpful in many different situations.

A nail set (or nail punch) is used on the face of a nail and then you pound the other end of the nail set with your hammer in order to eliminate any marks or marring that may come from the hammer head.

Usually a nail set is used for smaller nails Oran finished materials where you don't want any unnecessary marks to occur on the face of the material because it will be seen in many cases.

Another good example of where a nail set can be used is when you are setting a window. When using nails on a window flange sometimes the hammer head can present a problem.

If you were to accidentally nick the frame of the window it can actually take a chunk out of the window. A nail set can help eliminate this problem by keeping the head of your hammer well away from the frame of the window.

F: Speed Square- A speed square is a very useful tool that comes in handy when making quick reference lines on just about any type of material.

The tool is basically a triangle shaped object with lots of lines and markings on it and it can actually perform many different functions.

One of the main functions of a speed square is that it  acts as a straight edge when marking dimensional lumber. This will make straight lines very quickly that are a perfect 90 degree angle every time.

Another strong point of the speed square is the fact that it can easily pivot in order to find angles which are common in the building process, especially when  dealing with the framing of roofs.

The last really cool feature about speed squares is the fact that you can scribe lines along an edge at a specific measurement, which greatly speeds up having to make certain marks.

G: Combination Square- The combination square is a lot like a speed square, as it share some of the basic functions that the speed square does but is a little bit different because of the sliding ability it has.

It is basically a ruler that has a head attached to it that can be interchanged but basically is used to check for 90 degree and 45 degree angles.

The real power in the combination square is that it allows you to slide the head of the tool back and forth along the ruler which can come in handy for marking long rip cuts and for customizing the length of your square for dimensional lumber.

It is always good to have a combination square and a speed square in your tool bags.

H: Carpenter's Pencil - Carpenter’s pencils are pretty much the standard when it comes to marking dimensional lumber and other types of material.

They are usually sharpened using a utility knife, so the framer/carpenter always has the tools needed to sharpen the pencil without the need of another special tool.

The way they are shaped actually provide a little bit more surface area so they are easier to grip and hold on to and since they are flat and not rounded they fit easily into smaller pockets and are out of the way of the other tools that may share that compartment.

I: Utility Knife - A utility knife is really an essential tool for a lot of things in the construction process and is used for sharpening pencils, cutting caulking on remodeling jobs to remove trim pieces, to cut sheetrock and so many other things.

These can come in many different forms and the retractable blade models are some of the most common nowadays and are probably the safest type too.

Other types include a snap blade type of utility knife, a hooked version for cutting carpet to name a couple of examples.

If you are going to be going through a lot of blade changes, you will want to make sure that you get a utility knife that makes changing them out quick and painless.

J: Secondary Loop - The secondary loop on a framer's tool bags is useful for loads of different things and is not really intended for a "specific purpose or tool" but more of an addition option.

I have seen some framers use it to carry around a small sledge hammer when doing form work for foundations and have also seen other carpenters carry around a smaller finishing hammer when doing interior work.

I have also seen this additional belt loop used for carrying around tin snips when working with metal flashing on other occasions. A really nice feature to have on framing bags.

K: Keel - A keel is basically a construction grade crayon that is longer and wider than a standard crayon that you would see kids using. These are used for marking different things that do not require a very accurate mark.

A mark from a keel is a lot more visible than a pencil mark and is clearly seen, especially if you use a higher visibility color like red, white or black.

These can come in many different colors and are very inexpensive, under a buck for the keel itself.

These are great for marking stud location on things that will not be seen or to outline what will be getting removed on a remodeling project.

L: Storage Pouch - This storage pouch is not really designated for anything in particular but from my personal experience, I would say that you are more likely to find tools in this pouch rather than fasteners or nails.

This pouch is probably going to be used for larger tools that you need to use for that day, like a drill or can also be used to hold certain objects that you are installing like nail plates. You get the idea!

M: Multi Tool Screwdriver (X-in-1) - I know a lot of framers that really like to carry around a multi tool type of screwdriver. You know those ones that are the 3-in-1, 6-in-1, 9-in-1, etc.

These are great to have on hand, especially if you are doing any type of remodel work because sometimes many different screws were used over the years and it seems like you need a Phillips bit, then a flat head bit and even a dot drive!

N: Nail Pouches - These pouches are really made to hold your nails and fasteners. There are usually two or three pouches that hold nails/fasteners and these can have different types of nails in each pouch, on some occasions.

That is really what these pouches are for but they can also be used for overflow tools, if needed.

O: Torpedo Level - A torpedo level comes in handy for many different purposes and they are small enough to carry around in your bags.

These are really intended for smaller objects, since they are so short and would not be that accurate on a larger object.

They are also handy for "rough plumb" projects, like installing a block for a plumbing fixture or making a level line from one form stake to another.

They come in many different lengths and widths and are typically made from plastic or metal.

P: Dedicated Screwdriver - It is not uncommon to find a couple of different screwdrivers in a framers bags, even with the 3-in-1 screwdriver.

Having a dedicate Philips or flat head screwdriver is always a quicker and more efficient option.

Q: Additional Pouch - An additional pouch is usually found near the top of bags (not always) and can be used for a number of different things.

I have seen framers use this as an alternative location for their tape measure or to hold another tape measure.

I have even seen this pouch used for addition nail storage, especially if you need a third type of nail for that day's tasks.

R: Chisel - A chisel comes in handy every now and again for many different things and it is not uncommon to see a framer/carpenter to have two or three different sizes in their bags.

These are good for taking out small to large chunks of wood or other softer materials. Chisels can be used for finishing type of applications but usually a framer will use them for more rough removal of materials that will be covered up.

What's Inside Carpenters Bags 2

These are not all of the tools that you will find in a framers tool bags but some of the more common ones. If I left any out, let me know in the comments below!

Want To Share This?

About the author

Ryan

I have been in construction nearly my entire life and have a fascination with tools and love when they make my life easier. Match that with my "research addiction" and you create something like this website!

Leave a comment: